Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a car with a budget of under ₹12 lakh. My priorities are: High fuel efficiency and low maintenance cost Strong safety Essential features Could you please suggest the best options that meet these requirements?

Autocar India

•8m

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Maruti Suzuki Dzire are well-suited to your requirements. Both models are very fuel-efficient and are affordable in terms of maintenance costs. You can get the top-spec versions of either model within your budget, and there's also the option of an AMT automatic gearbox that adds convenience without impacting fuel economy.

Both models pack in safety essentials, and it's reassuring to know that the Baleno is a 4-star Bharat NCAP-rated model while the Dzire is a 5-star Global NCAP-rated model.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Baleno

from ₹7.07 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Dzire

from ₹7.38 Lakh

Recommended questions for you

Abhishek

•1d

I own a 2019 Baleno top model, which is in perfect condition. Recently, I got an offer from a Hyundai dealer for a last-year manufactured i20 Magna model at ₹7 lakh on-road. I am confused about whether I should buy the i20 or continue with the Baleno.

Autocar India

•2h

If the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is in good condition and serving you well, there's no real need to switch to the Hyundai i20. The i20 Magna is a low-spec variant and misses out on many features that are part of the package on your Baleno Alpha trim model. Among the features on the Baleno Alpha that are not on the i20 Magna are auto climate control, keyless entry, touchscreen infotainment system, etc.In essence, the switch will feel like a downgrade and is not recommended.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Hyundai i20

Raju avn

•4d

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy the Maruti Suzuki Dzire automatic (top-end variant). My usage will be mostly on highways, and my budget is around ₹12 lakh (on-road). Could you please advise whether the Dzire automatic is a good choice in terms of mileage, comfort, and maintenance costs? Also, are there any better alternatives I should consider within this budget?

Autocar India

•20h

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is a good pick for you. It is among the most fuel-efficient cars on sale in India, and what also strengthens its case is Maruti's fantastic service network, after-sales experience and low maintenance costs. The Dzire is also a good value for the money, packing in plenty of features. Space and comfort are good, and there's reasonable boot space too, which will come in handy on intercity drives. There's also the confidence of knowing it's a Global NCAP 5-star rated model. What isn't ideal is the AMT gearbox. It's fine in easy-going driving, but you will feel a pause between gearshifts when you want a quick overtake. If you want a smoother experience and don't mind spending a bit more (and compromising on fuel economy), you could also look at the Honda Amaze CVT.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Parv Gupta

•23h

I am planning to buy a car with a budget of 15-17 lakh. My average monthly running is 1500 km. I have short-listed the Grand Vitara Zeta mild hybrid variant. I am a car enthusiast, and I love driving. I am looking for a car with low maintenance costs and high comfort on long drives. Have I made a good choice, or can you suggest a better option? Thanks.

Autocar India

•3h

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta (O) MT is a good choice that meets most of your needs. It comes in under Rs 17 lakh, and its excellent fuel economy should be good for your relatively high running of 1,500km per month. This is a Maruti car, so maintenance will be easy on the pocket too, estimated at Rs 4,000-6,000 per service, which happens at 10,000km intervals. It's reasonably comfortable too, with a well-sorted suspension.The only downside is the driving dynamics, which aren't geared to enthusiastic driving. While the chassis is well-engineered, the steering feels light and slow. Most of all, though, the 105hp petrol engine isn't particularly exciting, tuned as it is for fuel economy.For a more engaging drive, consider the Skoda Kushaq, though bear in mind you'll only get a low-spec Signature 1.0 TSI MT variant at your budget, and it won't be as good as the Maruti on running costs.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Skoda Kushaq

View all Posts